El Paso Independent School District Superintendent Lorenzo García has had a roller coaster of a year.

On one end, EPISD is now classified as a recognized district by the state because student test scores are improving and the district's graduation rates are rising. In the summer, García received a vote of confidence from the district's board, which extended his $280,314-a-year contract.

On the other hand, the district's attempt to get a tax rate increase approved by voters was soundly defeated. And since the summer García has been under attack by Texas Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso.

Shapleigh alleges that García and his staff kept hundreds of 10th-grade students from taking the TAKS by flunking, promoting, dropping and transferring them.

Federal accountability standards assess 10th-graders.

García disputes the allegation. In October, Texas Education Agency investigators cleared the district of allegations that TAKS cheating took place. Now the U.S. Department of Education and FBI are investigating.

García said he will cooperate and provide the federal government with any information it needs. García hopes it all ends soon.

Q You have been at EPISD since 2006; summarize how this year has gone.

A I visit the schools on a daily basis and I see that our teachers and students are helping each other, working with each other, focused on doing all of the things needed to get a great education. I see the students competing and succeeding. I see everyone getting involved, getting better.

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Q What has been the highlight of this year?

A We are now a recognized district. We have been notified by the state that out of 26 schools that are up for blue ribbon status, EPISD has two of those schools. We have 1,500 students who just finished taking the SAT prep. Lastly the enormous number of students who are participating in extracurricular activities. Everyone is competing.

Q What has been the most difficult part of the year?

A The lack of funding by the state. The economic downturn that continues making it tough for everyone, including the schools. And lastly, the attacks on our district. They have been very hurtful to our students and teachers. Unfortunately these allegations are hurting the good reputation of our people, teachers and staff and even our students. The senator is hurting our community.

Q What do you think about the two new investigations?

A I'm confident that these most recent allegations will be proven false just like the others. My hope is that we can end this soon and move on. It is costing taxpayers money and it is taking up the time of a lot of people.

Q How do you explain the drop in students at Bowie from one year to the next?

A In EPISD we have magnet schools that students transfer into. Every high school has students that leave one school for another. And every high school, unfortunately, loses some students and some students move. That is what is happening here.

Ramon Bracamontes may be reached at rbracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6124.

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